Wireless Tag Reader Staggered Communication Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless tag communication systems, overlapping pause times of multiple communication devices can cause wireless tags to move out of the reading range, leading to data unavailability when tags or devices move, and existing technologies face challenges in maintaining reliable communication due to radio wave interference and overlapping communication states.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag communication apparatus and method where multiple communication units are controlled to alternate between communication and pause states, ensuring that when a wireless tag is within the range of one unit, another unit is in a pause state, and vice versa, using a control signal line to synchronize these states, thereby preventing overlapping pause or communication states and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple communication devices operate simultaneously to improve reading coverage, then the reading coverage is improved, but radio wave interference increases and communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling multiple communication devices to alternately operate in communication states and pause states. Each device transmits radio waves for a predetermined period then pauses, allowing other devices to transmit without interference. This periodic operation maintains wide reading coverage while eliminating simultaneous radio wave interference that would otherwise reduce communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational states of communication devices changeable over time. The control unit dynamically switches each device between communication state (transmitting) and pause state (not transmitting) based on timing signals. This dynamic state management allows the system to adapt reading coverage and interference levels in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining wide coverage and ensuring reliable communication.
2Reliability
If communication devices pause simultaneously to reduce interference, then radio wave interference is reduced, but reading coverage is lost when tags move during pause periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with multiple devices operating on staggered schedules. While one device is in pause state, another device is in communication state, ensuring continuous coverage. The periodic alternation between communication and pause states across multiple devices prevents gaps in reading coverage even when individual devices pause, while still reducing interference compared to simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary action by pre-coordinating the pause and communication states of multiple devices before actual tag reading occurs. The control unit generates timing signals that schedule device operations in advance, ensuring that when one device pauses, another is already positioned to maintain coverage. This preliminary coordination prevents coverage gaps while managing interference.
3Loss of information
If communication duration is extended to improve data acquisition, then data acquisition improves, but energy consumption increases and low-power compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by limiting each communication device's transmission to predetermined time periods followed by pause periods. This periodic operation ensures devices do not transmit continuously, thereby controlling energy consumption while still acquiring necessary tag data during active periods. The alternating pattern between communication and pause states enables data acquisition without excessive energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having each communication device operate only for the minimum necessary duration to acquire tag data, rather than continuous operation. The predetermined communication period is sufficient for data acquisition but limited to avoid excessive energy consumption. This partial operation approach meets data acquisition requirements while maintaining compliance with low-power transmission restrictions.
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wireless tag communication apparatus includes a plurality of communication units configured to communicate with a wireless tag. The communication units are disposed such that communicable ranges of the communication units overlap each other. A control unit controls each of the plurality of communication units to alternate between a communication state and a pause state. When the wireless tag is positioned within communication ranges of both first and second communication units of the plurality of communication units, the control unit controls the first communication unit to be in the communication state and the second communication unit to be in the pause state.